Brussels mulls anti-trust moves by BA, American, Iberia airlines

(BRUSSELS) - The EU's competition watchdog said Monday it is considering concessions made by British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia to alleviate competition concerns over their transatlantic tie-up.

In April, the European Commission opened proceedings amid concerns about agreements between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia, all members of the Oneworld airline alliance.

According to reports, the EU commission told British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia that they may have to give up take-off and landing slots to press ahead with their transatlantic tie-up.

The three airlines said in 2008 that they had signed an agreement to cooperate on flights between North America and Europe to help overcome soaring fuel costs and falling demand.

Last October, the commission warned the three airlines that the deal could be in breach of anti-trust rules.

Then the regulator sent a formal "statement of objections" to the companies.

"British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia offered commitments in order to alleviate the commission's concerns," the commission, which polices competition issues in the EU, said in a statement Monday.

"This proposal requires further investigation before the commission reaches any conclusion as to the next steps," it added.

Before deciding whether the proposals are a sufficient remedy for the EU and public concerns, the commission said it was seeking the opinions of "a number of key market players."